Tuesday

Natalie continues to require higher oxygen and vent settings, although it seems that the past two days things have stabilized rather than getting worse. She has now had 3 positive blood culture bottles so she definitely is fighting an infection (most likely staph). Still hoping the infection is the cause of her recent difficulties and that as she recovers from the infection her respiratory status will improve. They also started a new diuretic in addition to lasix in hopes of controlling her serum bicarbonate level.

I had a lovely snuggle with her yesterday-two hours! Sunday night I went later in the evening and was able to hold her for a long time as well. She was wide awake for the first half hour and SO cute. It was amazing watching her do normal baby things-waving her arms around and splaying her little fingers. I hadn't seen her awake in probably a week so it was an especially nice treat. 10PM continues to be her wide awake time, just as it was when she was in my belly.

After spending weeks in a crib I was really afraid she would not tolerate being held but so far she really seems to enjoy it and relaxes in my arms. I am getting more comfortable with the vent tubing but it still makes me nervous. I am working on focusing on Natalie and not her monitors, numbers, tubes and wires.

Thank you so much for your continued thoughts and prayers for Natalie. She is such an amazing baby girl and I am grateful to have so many people share in loving her.